[Otto Man]

Since the day I brought her home I've been wondering why auto manufacturers continue to put the stupid ignition switch in the steering column. And as these cars become more "compact" inside the hanging keys and key fob end up right about knee-high (on some of us anyway), and in some cases the keys actually lay on our knee.
Well it finally happened. Got in the car at 5:30 AM and off to work. Adjusting myself while starting out, getting into 3rd and POW. My right knee went up, but the key and key fob assembly were aligned juuust right to be one big "nail" that did not "give" a bit. For a second I thought me knee-cap was split. That's how bad it hurt.
Anyone else had a problem with this?
Heck, even a new Chevy Impala has the key in the dash.

 

[Vandil]

No but I'm a key minimalist I like to toss them in my pocket. 1 car key, 1 house key, 1 padlock key. No fob and no keys that are not needed every single day.

My wifes key chain could be used to fight off a rabid bear it's got so much junk on it.

 

[tampa]

My problem has been the steering column adjuster underneath the column. I've hit that many times getting in and out, and I am not a long-legged guy. Ouch.

 

[Bobbo]

My problem has been the steering column adjuster underneath the column. I've hit that many times getting in and out, and I am not a long-legged guy. Ouch.

Ditto that! I'm also not a tall guy and also nail that steering adjuster krippler. I think I'm gonna either take a grinder to it or epoxy a knee bump-stop to it!

 

[199]

My problem has been the steering column adjuster underneath the column. I've hit that many times getting in and out, and I am not a long-legged guy. Ouch.

same thing happens to me, its a sharp object, im not that tall (5'10) but i hit my knee a couple of times and it hurts

 

[karazuba]

add me to the list of those who have felt the revenge of the steering wheel adjustment knob--i am 6' tall. I've hit it twice, and both times had to stop, grimace, and put on the 'doesn't hurt' face when allthewhile I am thinking 'mother($#&%@(!^$%@$#(%@^%&!(#&%@"

 

[Stoenr]

Yeah, on the rental it was pokin my knee at times.
It was only a keyring and 2 keys on it. the key hanging down was jabbin the knee. Not as bad as what yours sounded like tho, lol

 

[Stoopy]

OUCH!!!!!!!!!


Well after a week of driving my 'Stang I have neither issue, but here's what I done and did:

Have y'all seen those little gizmo's they make to quick-disconnect keys from your key rings or key chains now? I'm not talking about the things that look like mountain-climber links, I mean these little doohickeys like this (I think they may also be referred to as "valet key rings" or something along that line):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6534411900&category=1403

About the size of a little tiny dog whistle, made of steel, chromed, and VERY strong when connected. Has a little push-button on one end to quick-disconnect.

Funny enough, we got a couple as free promotional gifts from our credit union when we went in to pick up the check for the 'Stang (we financed through them and not Ford, got a great APR). So anyway, I put the key fob and the mustang key on it, and when I go to drive it, all I do is push the button on the cylinder, and viola....I just have the 'Stang key and key fob, and all the other keys go in my pocket where they belong. VERY nice, no stabbed knees, and no raw spots from stuff rubbin' my knee after a 4-hour drive on Saturday!

Other than the link above I'm sure you'd find them at any decent hardware store that duplicates keys, my wife has a knack for collecting them from here and there so we have a bunch somehow, I use 'em for my motorcycle key also, so I don't have other keys chipping the paint when I ride. Works good!


And what's weird is......I took a look at my steering wheel height lock mechanism, and when pushed back up to tighten the wheel after getting it where you want it, it only protrudes about 1/4 inch or so below the steering wheel housing for me......haven't hit it with my knee yet and would be hard pressed to try. Strange!

 

[bigplayrayr]

why couldn't they put a real steering wheel tilt on this car. My 04 F150 was the same way.

 

[mooch]

I have the same problem. I am about 5'5" and my knee sometimes hits the hanging keys. If I ever get into a smash my knees will be gone. I find that my knee comes very close to the dash. Also there is not enough adjustment for the tilt steering wheel. I like the wheel very low, and this car doesn't go low enough for me. I liked my old Z24 it had roughly 5" of travel. With the wheel all the way up, it felt like I was driving a bus.

 

[SunBoss]

2 carabiners - a small one for the Stang key plus whatever door you will need to open at your next destination. Other one for all other keys. Stash other one in glovebox. Before I figured this out, I wore out the ignition switch on my Jeep with all the weight from my rabid bear killer keychain.:lock (LOL, I loved that description.)